Smart Card Voltage and Clock Frequency Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart cards in contactless mode face performance issues due to increased current consumption, which affects the voltage reception and subsequent operations.
Innovation Solution
A smart card design that includes an internal voltage generator producing two voltages and a clock generator capable of adjusting the clock signal frequency based on these voltages, ensuring optimal operation by synchronizing the frequency with the current consumption levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the smart card operates in contactless mode with higher current consumption, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the voltage reception and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment of the clock signal based on the first internal voltage level. The clock generator automatically changes the clock frequency according to the voltage level, which varies with current consumption. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable operation across different power conditions in contactless mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the clock signal based on the voltage level. By adjusting the clock frequency according to the first internal voltage (which reflects current consumption conditions), the system optimizes performance and maintains reliability under varying power delivery conditions in contactless operation.
2Productivity
If the clock signal frequency is increased to improve processing speed, then the productivity is improved, but the current consumption increases causing voltage level instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the clock generator monitors the first internal voltage level and adjusts the clock frequency accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the clock frequency is optimized for processing speed while maintaining voltage level stability by reducing frequency when voltage drops due to high current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the clock frequency based on real-time voltage conditions. Rather than operating at a fixed high frequency that would cause instability, the clock generator adapts the frequency to match the available power headroom, maintaining both productivity and voltage stability.
3Device complexity
If the smart card uses a fixed clock frequency to simplify the design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different current consumption levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the clock frequency parameter based on the first internal voltage level, which reflects current consumption conditions. This allows the system to adapt to different operational modes (contactless vs. contact) and current consumption levels without requiring complex external control circuits, achieving adaptability with moderate complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart card includes an internal voltage generator, a clock generator, and an internal circuit. The internal voltage generator generates a first internal voltage and a second internal voltage based on an input voltage received through an antenna. A level of the second internal voltage is lower than a level of the first internal voltage. The clock generator receives the first internal voltage and the second internal voltage to generate a clock signal. A frequency of the clock signal is changed according to the level of the first internal voltage. The internal circuit operates based on the clock signal and the second internal voltage.